How Do You Perceive God? - Why Can’t We See God?

How Do You Perceive God? - Why Can’t We See God?

The question is sometimes asked, if God exists why can’t we see Him? It is a reasonable question? Like most things to do with God the best place to look for the answer is in what God says on the matter. Religious art has depicted God in many ways and forms, and it is often in some likeness to man. As noted earlier, this is quite contrary to what God has said on the matter. The two pictures below show the similarity between man’s perceptions in both ancient Greece and later in Christian art. God is depicted as a big man or a big angry man, and sometimes as being both fickle and unreasonable. 

Our perception of God is often affected by our cultural or religious background, our education or experiences, or even our personal or peer group prejudices. If we truly seek to understand, then we need to abandon these preconceptions altogether. The apostle Paul faced this same challenge when he came to Athens, the capital of learning in his day. 

In the Book of Acts (Acts.17:22-33) it is recorded that Paul spoke with the Athenians and introduced God to them. He said that God is the one whom they ‘ignorantly worship’ on their altar to ‘The unknown God’, and that He was the one who ‘made the world and all things therein’ and ‘gives to all life, and breath, and all things’. Paul says that ‘though He is not far from everyone of us’, He yet remained ‘unknown’ to them. Although God was within their reach, He remained outside of their field of vision or perception. They were like blind men who could not find God. Paul is not speaking only of the senses here, but of their thinking and understanding. 

As noted earlier, God cannot be seen by man. God has clearly revealed this to us the word. 

Deut.4:12 And the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire: you heard the sound of the words, but saw no form; you only heard a voice.

Exod.33:20 You cannot see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

John.1:18 No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

In conclusion then, it is therefore important that we note the difference between the creator and the created. We must not try to perceive God in a form or way that we are comfortable or familiar with, that is either as a man or as one of the lesser creatures. If we are to perceive God then we must see Him as He has revealed Himself, and as the greatness of the creation testifies. God cannot be seen because He is not of this order of things, but precedes it and is greater than it. We will look at this again in Chapter 9 when we look at Faith more closely, for as we will see, faith is designed to give us a form of ‘super-natural sight or perception’.

God’s Name = Yahweh

God’s Name = Yahweh

As noted earlier, in the OT God made himself known by a name that He chose himself. This name is Yahweh (Ex. 6:3, Ex. 3:15, Ps. 83:18, Isa. 42:8). The name is used in over 6,300 verses in the Hebrew OT. Unfortunately it has largely been disguised in most English Bibles by substitute words, such as LORD or GOD when written in capitals.

Some people and groups use the term Jehovah, but this is not a correct pronunciation of the name. The word ‘Jehovah’ was unknown until the 16th century when it was erroneously introduced by translators, when translating the Hebrew text into English. Early translators used Jehovah by mistake, as they misunderstood the Hebrew texts and the underlying superstition that the Jews had concerning the use of the name of God. They unfortunately combined the vowels from one word with the consonants of another to create a synthesised or artificial word.

The closest estimation for the pronunciation of the name by the language experts is Yahwè, where the final è is pronounced like the e sound in the English word ‘there’. The general convention is now to write the name in English Bible’s as Yahweh.


The Hebrew word Yahweh is called the ‘tetragrammaton’, which literally means ‘the four letters’ (YHWH), for the original Hebrew had no vowel points and no J sound. The word itself, like all Hebrew words, has a meaning and this meaning unsurprisingly is closely connected to the declared purpose of God. It is first claimed to be God’s name in the fascinating record of Exod.3:13-16 where God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush. On that occasion Moses asks God by what name he is to be known to the Israelites. God responds with a Hebrew word that is based on the verb “to be”. It is often translated into our English Bibles as ‘I am who I am’, or ‘I will be what or who I will be’. (in this place it is roughly pronounced - Hayah-Asher-Hayah).

This declaration is very significant, as it has the same meaning as God’s name. We can see this In Exod.3:14 where the verbalised form is in the first person singular ‘I am that I am’ or ‘I will be who I will be’ whereas the name (proper noun) which is derived from these words is now used in Exod.3:15 is the Hebrew name of God, translated as ‘Yahweh’. When used as a proper noun as a name it is used in the third person singular. (Remember: First person is when someone is speaking of them-self, as in;’ I’ or ‘me’. Second person is when we speak of the second person in a conversation, as in; ‘you’. Third person is when we speak of another who is not me or you, as in; ‘He’ or ‘She’).

Some suggest that the name relates to God’s declared self-existence, and as such it should be considered as ‘I am who I am’, that is that God is saying that ‘I am the self-existent God alone’. Although this is true in itself, perhaps it has even more meaning than this as evidenced by how it is used as a name in the third person, in Exod.3:15. Here God says that he is ‘The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ The word God in each of these places is one of the titles that God takes to himself, being the Hebrew word Elohim, which quite literally means ‘Mighty Ones’. Therefore, taking the meaning of both Hebrew words and applying them to the words of God as noted above, we really seem to be finding a message of purpose in the phrase itself.

Using these ideas in Exod.3:15 we get the following ideas being presented in the declaration of God = ‘He who is (and will be) the mighty ones of your fathers, the mighty ones of Abraham, the mighty ones of Isaac, and the mighty ones of Jacob ..’ This speaks of a close and on-going relationship between God and these men, who were the fathers of the (latter) nation of Israel. Interestingly, they were long dead when these words were spoken.

This idea is also seen in the way it is used in Exod.3:18, where Moses was to speak to the King of Egypt, and say ‘The LORD God of the Hebrews has met with us’, or literally, ‘He who is (and will be) the mighty ones of the Hebrews….’ The meaning in the name and in this phraseology certainly soon became a reality, after God’s mighty acts were made known to Egypt.

In this way then, the name of God holds within it the purpose of God. That is, that God intends to be in and with the certain people, called the mighty ones of God. The name itself proclaims a purpose and a promise, inasmuch as God’s revealed purpose has always been to make people like himself, in His image and likeness (Gen.1:26-28).

The import of this idea is what motivated Jesus to make the statement he did in Mark.12:26-27.     Although Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were long dead when God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush (Exod.3:6, 15), Jesus says that this declaration by God shows that he is (note the present tense) ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’, and thus proves the resurrection of the dead. How? For to God, even the dead are as good as alive, for God has promised to raise these men to life again. That was His promise to them, and that is how they understood the promises that God made to them. For God is ‘Yahweh Elohim of your fathers ….’ Read Mark.12:26-27 & Exod.3:15.

The Athanasian Creed (5-6th Century) – summarised version

The Athanasian Creed (5-6^th Century) – summarised version

And the Catholic Faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; ... .. Neither confounding the Persons: nor dividing the Substance. 
For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son: and another of the Holy Ghost, 
But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one: the Glory equal, the Majesty co-eternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son: and such is the Holy Ghost….
……But the whole three Persons are co-eternal together: and co equal, So that in all things, as is aforesaid; the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped.
He therefore that will be saved: must thus think of the Trinity.

This doctrine is taken seriously as the closing phrases indicate. In the words of the creed, salvation depends upon believing in this concept of God. This teaching has been vigorously maintained in the past, and often enforced on pain of persecution or death. (For example, the reader may care to investigate the death of Michael Servetus – a prominent surgeon burnt slowly to death at the bidding of John Calvin. He was not the only one. The reader may also like to consider the history of what is called ‘The Doctrine of the Trinity Act’ in England).

While Trinitarian theology accepts that The Father is God, it complicates matters by teaching that God is a Triune God, comprised of three persons; the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. They further believe that these three persons are each of equal power and might from eternity. They are distinct in person, yet one in unity and substance, and just so you don’t confuse things too much, they say that it is important to understand that the Father is not the Son, and the Son is not the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is not the Father. This is a very confusing concept, and one that many theologians also admit is confusing. For this reason it is often called ‘a mystery’. 

However, as with most wrong ideas, if it is firstly assumed to be true then the evidence can be garnered and arranged to support the position. The following quotations provide an interesting insight into the thinking of many modern scholars who are unshackled from the past perils of expressing heterodox views. Further details on these references are noted below the quotations.

M.Harris ‘Jesus as God: The New Testament Use of Theos in Reference to Jesus’ (Grand Rapids: Baker. 1992)  (‘The Restitution of Jesus Christ’ - Page 21)
“it is a curious fact that each of the [disputed theos] texts  … contains an interpretative problem of some description; actually, most contain two or three.”

A.E.Harvey, ‘Jesus and the Constraint of History’ 1982 (‘The Restitution of Jesus Christ’ - Page 21)
“The New Testament writers … show no tendency to describe Jesus in terms of divinity, the few apparent exceptions are either grammatically and textually uncertain or have an explanation which … brings them within the constraint of Jewish monotheism”




Dr. W. Matthews (1940) (‘The Trinity, True or False’ - Page 188)  
“It must be admitted by everyone who has the rudiments of an historical sense that the doctrine of the Trinity, as a doctrine, formed no part of the original message. St Paul knew it not, and would have been unable to understand the meaning of the terms used in the theological formula on which the Church ultimately agreed” 

Harold Brown ‘Heresies’ (Doubleday, 1984) (Anthony Buzzard’s ‘The Doctrine of the Trinity’, Pg.145)
“It is a simple fact and an undeniable historical fact that several major doctrines that now seem central to the Christian faith – such as the doctrine of the Trinity and the doctrine of the nature of Christ – were not present in a full and self-defined generally accepted form until the fourth & fifth centuries”.

We will not spend any more time refuting this belief here, but the reader is welcome to research these matters for themselves. The following books may be of some help in understanding the subject more fully.

 “The Trinity – True or False?” – (Available from the Dawn Book Supply) 
 ‘When Jesus Became God’ by Richard E. Rubenstein (Amazon)
 ‘The Doctrine of the Trinity – Christianity’s Self-Inflicted Wound’ – Anthony Buzzard & Charles F. Hunting. (Amazon)

 “The Restitution of Jesus Christ” – Kermit Zarley (Available from the author, via his website)

God’s Familiar NT Title = Father

God’s Familiar NT Title = Father

In the NT, God is mostly known by his familiar or family title, which is ‘The Father’. We find this in some very commonly understood references such as, the Lord’s Prayer.

Matt.6:9. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

In this reference the connection between the Father in heaven and the Name of God is clearly made. The following references show the usual way that Jesus spoke of God as his Father. Jesus and the angels all had limited knowledge and power, and all that they possessed was derived from the Father, who alone has un-derived immortality and is the source of all life.

Matt.7:21. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Matt.23:9. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

Mark.13:32. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

John.5:19. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner…”

Just as Jesus declared God (The Father) to his generation, both by word and by deed (John.1:14, 18), there is coming a greater day when Jesus will come in the full power and authority of God the Father (Matt.16:27, Mark.8:38). On that day, he will reveal God in all His fullness, so that all will acknowledge this truth (Phil2:11, Eph.1:17). The following reference speaks of these things.

I.Tim.6: I3-16. I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He (i.e. God) will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

So far we have mainly looked at the way some NT references refer to God as The Father. The reader is also urged to look at most of the NT letters and they will find that they all make a similar declaration. Here are some examples (1.Cor.1:3, 2.Cor.1:2, Eph.1:2-3, Col.1:2, 1.Thes.1:1 etc.), and below is a typical example to ponder.

Eph.1:17. that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him

The quest then is to find the true God as well as the meaning of His revealed words. This knowledge only comes from applying ourselves to the study and meditation of the word of God. This belief in God being the Father (alone) was clearly the common understanding in NT times. Rather than labour the point, for now we will look at some very clear references that show this fact, and how believing this teaching is important.

John.17:3. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (Voiced by Jesus while in prayer to His Father in heaven)

I.Cor.8:6. But to us there is but one God, the Father, of (meaning ‘out of’, speaking of origins) whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by (meaning ‘through’, and contrasted to out of) whom are all things, and we by him.

Eph.4:5-6. There is …. “one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

I.Tim.2:5. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

This concept of the Father alone being God is contrary to the view taught or believed by most of main stream Christianity. This is mostly true for the Clergy and those trained in various Theological Seminaries, although not universally true amongst the common church members.
The church teaching is generally Trinitarian. They teach that God exists as three person in one substance. This concept is taught and held by the Catholic, Orthodox & all the Mainstream Protestant Churches. It has been the dominant doctrine of the Church since the 4th Century. It is explained in the Creeds that came out of that epoch. An example of this is detailed below in a summarized version of the famous Athanasian Creed.

God has Revealed His Character – He is Motivated by Love

God has Revealed His Character – He is Motivated by Love

It was about three thousand five hundred years ago that God delivered the Israelites out of their Egyptian bondage, and brought them to Mount Sinai. When they came to Mount Sinai, God spoke to them from heaven and gave them his law. This was a law that the Israelites were to live by, both on a personal level and on a religious and national level.

When God spoke directly to the people they were very frightened and delegated Moses to ascend Mount Sinai and speak with God (Exod.20:18-19) to receive the greater detail of the laws and ways of God. Moses was away in the mount for forty days, and during that time the Israelites lapsed into Idolatry with the ‘Golden Calf’. God was angry with the people, yet as a result of Moses’ pleading with God for reassurance that He would remain with them, God agreed to reveal himself to Moses. What was revealed is of great significance, as it teaches us much about who God really is, and what His values are.

Exodus.34:5-7. Now the LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him (i.e. Moses) there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.  And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”

This was a wonderful revelation given the background. God himself proclaims or declares His Name, which we can take from the context speaks of His character and the way He deals with mankind. From the words, it is quite evident that God both shows mercy and kindness, yet also brings judgement and justice upon those who practice and persist in evil.

When we come to the NT, we find elements of God’s declaration on Mount Sinai shown in the words and works of Jesus. Just as God declared his name and characteristics, so Jesus also manifested these in his words and deeds.

John.1:18.  No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

Matt.5:44-45, 48. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. … Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (in the original language, perfect means mature, or of full age)

It is, therefore, by the kindness of God that we exist and experience the blessings of life. God is motivated to these things by His love, which is one of His primary characteristics. This is really what the great proclamation in Exod.34:5-7 is about.

As we ponder these concepts we need to see them as an essential element of God’s motivation as well as understand how they also relate to His declared purpose. For although it is only by God’s love and kindness that we exist, this manifestation of God is ultimately for a particular reason or purpose that He has declared. In like manner, salvation is certainly a very important and essential outcome of God’s revelation and His work, but it is not His principal objective. Rather it too is an integral part of His revealed purpose by which we can both benefit and also share in this purpose. It is important that we grasp this subtle difference. Unfortunately many miss this point and end up with an inverted set of values, where man and his goals and objectives become the focus of life, rather than the will and purpose of God taking the prime position. When we view life this way we may end up questioning the morality and justice of God, because our thinking is back to front.

We will more fully address the Purpose of God later, but for now, we can clearly see it in the words already referred to in Matt.5:44-45, 48.  That is, that we are called upon to do things that emulate God’s thinking and ways, so that we can be like the Father Who is in heaven.

The following references emphasize God’s love shown toward man, and of God’s desire that mankind respond to His love.

John.3:16-17. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Rom.5:8. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Do the Right Thing , 3 9 14 Marc Williams Christadelphian Exhortations

2: God

2) God

The revelation of God is the chief message in the story of the Bible. He is mentioned in the very first verse, and in fact the Bible provides an on-going commentary about different things concerning God. There are very clear references that concern, among other things; His Power, His Character, His Purpose, His Will, His Wisdom and His Love.

When we consider God, we must ensure that we do not try and interpret or measure God by those limitations that are natural to us. This has ever been the mistake of humanity. Religious art and the various forms of idolatry, both ancient and modern, show this natural predisposition. If God is to be understood, it can only be by God revealing himself. In the Bible we have such a revelation, which is one reason why it is so important to understand what it says.

The Bible is emphatic. There is only one God. There is no other. This one God has revealed His name as Yahweh, His familiar title as Father. He has no beginning or ending. He knows no limitations. He has a purpose which He has revealed. He has invited all people to share in this purpose, but on the condition of understanding believing and voluntarily aligning themselves with Him. This is called faith. It is an expression of God’s grace or favour to accept any person on the basis of their faith, irrespective of race, education, gender or social status. That is, anyone who hears and responds voluntarily to His invitation. This response involves adopting His world view, and accepting His plainly declared way of salvation. This is offered freely by God, who is motivated by his most visible characteristic, His Love. For this reason, God gave his most valuable gift to humanity, as the following reference shows –

John.3:16-17.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

God has Revealed Himself in all His Power

In the opening chapters of the book of Genesis we are introduced to God as the creator. This is the very first thing revealed and it is designed to make an impression on us – In the beginning God made the heaven and the earth. Next, the record of the first chapter goes on to explain the details of God’s work, and speaks of God giving life to all creatures (Gen.1:20, 30; 2:7). This is a life that is self-perpetuating, and would allow all creatures to both multiply and continue by natural processes through their seed (Gen.1:11, 12, 22, 28). In this sense then, God is declared to be both the giver of life from non-life as well as the sustainer of life, as every breath that every creature takes has its origins from God. Not only did God originally give life, he also sustains all by His spirit. Paul says as much in the NT, when speaking to the men of Athens.

Acts.17:25. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.

Job.34:14-15. If He should set His heart on it, If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath, All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust.

Moreover, as God has done all these things, he is to be perceived as infinitely larger and more powerful than all the natural or material things that are made or exist. We are not speaking in physical terms relating to size, but in terms that relate to power and wisdom. If God made all the things we see, then He should be, must be, perceived this way.

Psalm.8:3-4. When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him? And the son of man that You visit him?

Psalm.19:1. The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

Isaiah.40:25-26. “To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might, And the strength of His power; Not one is missing.

Isaiah.40:22. It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.

These references, among many others, clearly tell us that God is far greater than any person, force or power that we can imagine with our senses. The heavens themselves are likened to a tent, which perhaps means that God can step outside of them. This fits very well with what we are told in the first chapter of Genesis. That is, that the heaven and the earth that we know are simply created entities that contain the works of God. They are not eternal or limitless.

God is not bound by these nor by any material limitations. Once we grasp this, we understand the absolute folly of man’s tendency of trying to explain or show God as bound by the laws of nature, as He created all these laws. The LORD alone is God, and there is no other. There is none other like Him.

Isaiah.44:6. Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, And his (i.e. Israel’s) Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.

Isaiah.42:8. I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.

Paul speaks of man’s rejection of God, and how man has continually changed the things that God has revealed. Man’s natural default has been to imagine God to be like himself, or as one of the lesser creatures. The next reference, although quite long in itself, is worth considering carefully. Paul says that we are without excuse. God’s handiwork or signature is seen everywhere in this creation, but men have continually ignored God. They have not sought Him out, to know His way or His purpose. In fact they have gone further in that they have continually changed who God is, so that He is often depicted as resembling a creature of this creation. For this reason, God has often given such foolish men up to the consequences of their choices.

Rom.1:20-24. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves …

Rom.1:25. Men have repeatedly ‘… exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.’

This, of course, expresses the clear sentiment of God, as enunciated in the second of the Ten Commandments, given directly by God to Israel on Mount Sinai.

Exod.20:4. You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;

God was quite particular in this matter. Man has a very limited perspective and a natural inclination to interpret all things within the bounds of his own experiences. This has always been the way with human religion. It is the reason so many places of worship are full of pictures, idols and other forms of imagery that appeal to the senses. These ideas are quite contrary to what God has revealed, as they give a totally wrong impression of God.

Deut.4:12,15-19. And the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire, You heard the sound of the words, but saw no form, you only heard a voice. … Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female, the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the water beneath the earth. And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the LORD your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage.

These words could not be any more emphatic. When considering this warning and what many religions have done, especially those who call themselves Christian, is it any wonder that many people cannot understand God,  or His will and purpose? By ignoring these express commands of God mankind has made it plain for all to see that they are far astray from His counsel.

God has no limitations

God has no limitations

It is a self-evident fact that if God is the creator and sustainer of life, greater than all the things we see in heaven and earth, then his wisdom and power are also without limitations. This is particularly evident in comparison with man, whose world view is limited by his weak and mortal existence. Even the various sciences are but the exploration and attempted explanation of the things that are made. In this regards, the use of scientific knowledge is simply the use of the existing laws of nature for man’s benefit or selected outcomes, nothing more. Science creates nothing new, it only utilizes things and forces that already exist. This is not so with God.


It was the angel Gabriel who said the following to Mary, the mother of Jesus –
Luke.1:37. ‘For with God, nothing is impossible’
This is what Job declared some fifteen hundred years before, when towards the end of his trials, God speaks to him. God speaks of his works in the natural world, and challenges Job to understand both the wisdom and power of God in these things. At the end of the day and in his final conclusions, Job comes to understand God and says –
Job.42:2. I know that You can do everything. And that no purpose of Yours’ can be withheld from You.
The prophets of Israel said much the same –
Isaiah.40:28.  Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary.  His understanding is unsearchable.

Isaiah.45:18. For thus says the LORD, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD, and there is no other.
A quick review of the things covered in Chapters 2 and 4 will supply the missing information here. There is no need to re-state what we have found. These chapters show that God must be and is the source of all true wisdom and in comparison all that man can know is limited by what his existence and senses can allow him to perceive or learn. The invisible things of God cannot be seen, as He is greater than the heaven and the earth, and therefore beyond our ability to naturally perceive.
This of course, introduces us to another very important teaching of the Bible, which is Faith. This is a subject that is mostly misunderstood, so we will leave it for a particular focus later on in chapter 9. Suffice is to say now that Faith is more than simply believing in God’s existence. It involves a few important parts, two of which are;
1. Understanding and believing what God says, and
2. Therefore being able to see God and the world in a totally different way.

Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father

1) Revelation

1) Revelation 

We have already covered many of the main issues of this subject in Chapters three and four, so we will not spend more time here expanding on what has been covered. We have concluded that the Bible claims repeatedly that God has spoken and revealed Himself, as well as His will, His ways, and His purpose. 

The language of the Bible is quite compelling and emphatic. From the beginning of the Bible to the end, the message is consistent. God has spoken, and the record of God’s words are to be found in the Book we call the Bible, comprising both OT and NT scriptures. 

This claim is either true or not. There is no middle ground. Apart from the internal evidences, there are other reasons to be persuaded to this viewpoint, but we will not deal with them here. They are the work of a more specialized nature. What we recommend to the reader now is that they read and think upon the words for themselves, and try to understand the essence of the message first hand, and not via the filtered thoughts of experts, or of our own culture, traditions or prejudices. 

God’s words are to be taken seriously. They are not to be meddled with. We are warned not to add to or diminish from the words, but to take them as they have been delivered. They are to be light to guide us in the right way.

Prov.30:5-6. Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

Psalm.119:105. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

The Bible likens the Word of God to a seed which is sown into the hearts of men and women (Matt.13:18-23, 1.Pet.1:23-25). In the symbolism of the Bible, the word=seed is to take root, and grow so that it produces fruit to the benefit of ourselves and others, and to give pleasure to God who causes it to grow (1.Cor.3:7, Rev.4:11). This should impress us with the need to hear the message first hand, as there is a very personal aspect to this experience. For the only way we can really know God and his ways is to hear Him, and thereby come to know Him personally. This is God’s particular invitation to all people (Mark.4:23, 7:16, Rev.3:20).

1.      The Core Teachings of the Bible

There are numerous teachings in the Bible, but of all these there are 5 which stand out and upon which all the others are based. Each of these are intimately connected, and none stands fully alone or independent. Other important teachings such as Law, sin, righteousness, faith, grace and salvation are all connected to these central themes and in some measure they are built upon them. These core teachings stand therefore in some measure as a foundation, and upon them and around them can be built a fuller understanding of the ways of God.

We have not listed these core concepts in order of importance, but only in an order which will be convenient for our investigation. These core teachings are as follows –

1.       Revelation – God has spoken and revealed Himself and His ways. This is in His Word, in the book we commonly call the Bible.

2.       God – God has introduced Himself, and shown us who He is. He has revealed His character, will and way.

3.       Man – God has revealed to us the true nature of man. Man’s aspirations, fears, sinfulness & mortality.

4.       Jesus – God’s son, whom God raised up to be a saviour. He is the completion of God’s purpose, the very image of the invisible God.

5.       Purpose – God’s revealed purpose with both mankind and with the earth, for man’s future is connected to the earth, just as God has clearly declared.

To explore these things more closely we will consider what is said on each one in turn. We have already touched on some of these ideas, but others will need more investigation. We must emphasise again that it is important to understand that each of these core teachings and ideas are closely linked and integrated, none stands totally alone. We will be separating them for this investigation, as there are many misconceptions about each of these teachings. If these incorrect ideas are accumulated, then we may end up with a totally wrong set of conclusions and therefore a wrong perspective on life. Getting them right will provide us with a good foundation that will have a positive impact upon us both individually and collectively.

It is evident that scriptural teachings are for a purpose, and that purpose is to affect change in us so that we think and act like God does. We will expand on this is the section below called ‘Purpose’.

We will begin each section with a summary, followed by more detail. If the reader wishes to skip ahead, then we suggest that they just read the introductory summary to each section. The expanded sections and their proofs can be revisited later.

The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth

The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth

In conclusion, when we speak of ‘the truth’ we are not speaking therefore of a man made set of concepts and beliefs, or the accumulation of scientific knowledge, or mathematical certainty, neither are we speaking in the relative terms of philosophy or of some wisdom passed down from ancient times. Rather, we are speaking of the ‘revealed truths of God’, which are woven throughout the word and also hidden within the word of God, in the book we commonly call the Bible. Hidden though they might be, yet they are able to be found and understood.
Prov.2:1-6. My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
The wisdom of God can be found in His revealed word. This wisdom only comes from God and can only be found in the word we have received, otherwise called the Bible. Today, there is no other source for this wisdom.
If we really want to know what life is all about, if we really want to know the real purpose of our life, then we must understand God’s greater purpose with man and with the earth. The way to find this is by searching it out and listening very carefully to what God says on these matters. After hearing and understanding, we will then be challenged with a question of loyalty, whether we will align ourselves with God and his purpose or go our own way.

Reading the Bible.
It is therefore important to read the Bible if we are to understand what God has revealed. There are, however, a few conditions that we must always remember. The different books of the Bible were first and foremost written for the generation to whom they were addressed. For example, if we are reading from the OT, then we need to acknowledge that the words were firstly written for them. There are many things that really only had practical bearing upon the nation of Israel, such as dietary laws and many other practices. These have no application for us today as they were part of the Old Covenant. However, the principles underlying all of these statutes and laws do certainly have bearing upon us. This is an important point to remember and one that many people stumble at. Words must firstly be read in their context and setting.
It is also important to understand that most of the NT writings were not written specifically for us, in our times. They were firstly written for the early Christian believers, and in a secondary sense for those who came later. If we are seeking to emulate their beliefs and practices and to discover these things for ourselves, then it is important for us to study what is written. We will then be able to understand not only what they believed, but also how they practiced their beliefs.

In this regard therefore, we need to examine all the NT writings to get the full story of early Christianity, as the Gospel accounts and letters were all written to believers already conversant with the Apostles teachings. We cannot emphasise this enough. No single NT book or letter was written solely for us (except perhaps Revelation), and none was designed to deliver the complete message.
As we read the NT we must remember that in the NT times authority only resided with the Apostles, who were the living representatives of Christ. Jesus himself had taught them, and directed them as they grew in knowledge and understanding. He remained with them throughout their lives to ensure that their witness was true. Interestingly, the Bible of the NT Christians was actually what we call today the Old Testament scriptures, and even the Apostles themselves deferred to its teachings. Most people don’t realise this, but these are the ‘scriptures’, ‘books’ and ‘parchments’ that are mentioned in many of the NT writings (2.Tim.3:15, 4:13, Acts.17:2,11, 18:24,28, Rom.15:4, 2.Pet.3:16).

The Apostles themselves were given enormous responsibility, and if any sought to know the truth of God they had to believe what the Apostle’s taught. This is called in the NT “The Apostle’s Doctrine and Fellowship”, Acts.2:42 & 1.John.1:1-3. There was and is no fellowship with God or Christ upon any other basis. This is why so many latter claimants laid so much emphasis upon the doctrine of apostolic succession. That is, they made the false claim to be the successors of the Apostle’s authority.
Lastly, it is also important to understand that when early Christianity was first established, there was little competition from contrary claims and ideas about Christ and the Gospel. The teachings and practices of Paul and others were fairly simple, inasmuch as they originally did not need to combat many false ideas from within, other than a return to Judaism. A person would be instructed in the things of God as contained in the Gospel message, and then they would be subsequently baptised into Christ. The disciples were then to grow from babies to adults in their understanding, as it is written in many places (Heb.5:12-14, 2.Pet.1:5-10, Eph.4:11-14).
As time went on, false teachings began to emerge. False ideas began to emerge concerning the physical nature of Jesus (1.Jn.2:18-19, 2.Jn.7) and on the Apostle’s teachings on the resurrection (2.Tim.2:17-18). This therefore makes it more complex for us when we read the words and works of the Apostles in the book of Acts, because since their times many false teachings and superstitions have arisen claiming to be of Christian origin. We therefore need to be careful when considering what is recorded so that we understand both the context and circumstances behind what is written, and to ensure that we are not simply pouring the words we read into a pre-existing mould or world view. This was the failure of the Jews in the first century, and we need to take note of this danger as well so that we do not fall into the same error.

The Only Source of Knowledge and Truth

What is Truth?

Since ancient times philosophers and wise men have argued and reasoned over truth. What defines it? How is it to be understood? Just what should we make of the concept? Their writings are cleverly constructed and reasoned. Ancients such Socrates, Plato and Aristotle reasoned on these things, as have their more modern counterparts. Just to complicate matters, in philosophical circles there is also the dispute between rationalism and empiricism and their different perspectives. That is, how can we balance out the effects of both logical reasoning and sensory experiences to arrive at the truth? Can the human experience itself be trusted?

We are left asking if any of this type of rationale is correct. Are they all missing some very elementary and vital information in their clever reasoning and arguments?

Some philosophers have concluded that ‘Truth’ is a relative term that depends upon the situation that a person finds themselves in. According to the rationale of one ancient philosopher; in one city women were treated one way, and in another they were treated another. According to him, each was the accepted custom and therefore true for their environment or situation. From this, and other like arguments, he reasoned that truth was relative.

In modern terminology we may at times call this situational ethics, where right or wrong, truth or error is determined by its specific situation. Another example is seen during times of war, when nation fights nation. Each nation selects and trains combatants, and vests them with authority to kill soldiers and sometimes civilians from the opposing nation. In normal times this would be considered murder, but during times of war soldiers are encouraged and subsequently rewarded for these actions.

We may add another dimension to this consideration, and that is the danger that intelligent and confident people face. Intelligence and acquired knowledge are often coupled with pride and feelings of superiority that may make it difficult for gifted people to accept things that are outside of their existing knowledge or experience. Gifted individuals are also often respected and listened to, which encumbers them with the need and expectation to express opinions.

This is most dangerous when they also have superior communication skills, as the tendency is to publicly and eloquently speak and philosophise on subjects that they may have little real knowledge of. However, because they have greater skills than the majority of people, their words often sound plausible, rational and intelligent. Lastly and most importantly, because they have these skills, they are often exalted to positions of power and influence to become thought leaders in society. They subsequently influence areas such as politics, business, science and even religion. In other words, they often become part of that group we have already mentioned who have vested interests, and are most advantaged in the present world.

Returning to the subject of this chapter, we see that many thinkers have concluded that there are no absolute truths, only relative truths. Is this right?

Are any of these groups and their rationale really helpful in our search for ‘The Truth’, or do they rather cloud the issue with non-relevant information, or even specious reasoning? Is the basis of truth really established or correct when based upon man’s perspective or a form of humanism, where man becomes the measure of all things?

Truths and the Truth

There are the general truths we all recognise, such as truthfulness seen in honesty and integrity, as well as the truths seen in the laws of mathematics and physics – which we might call empirical truths. All of these are truths in themselves, and science makes use of these to try and make sense of the world we live in. The laws of nature are certainly not relative truths. Nature works by laws that, as far as we know, cannot be broken. Certainly no man is able to do so.

We discern these truths and laws through our senses by the rigorous use of the scientific approach, using empirical methodology. This is the modern approach, and it is a development of the approach laid down by Aristotle some 2,400 years ago. Yet, for all its apparent wisdom, this approach may give us no more perspective and insight than that of a fish in a fish tank. Like the fish, we may know and understand our immediate environment, and through the glass may see into a larger room with some clarity, and even have glimpses through the windows to an even larger world outside. Yet, because we live in a contained environment we are thereby limited in how far we can see and what we can perceive.

The reality of this situation is quite apparent in science, for we have seen in recent times that scientists have come to realise that many of their assumptions about the natural world and the greater universe have been incorrect. Over the past decade or so, Quantum Theory (Physics/Mechanics) has concluded that the universe remains largely unknown to us.

Scientists have now radically changed everything they understand about the universe. One prominent scientist has said that all the physics books that are pre 2000 are out of date, and actually teach wrong ideas because they are based upon incorrect theory. Quantum theory has caused scientists to conclude that about 96% of the contents of the cosmos are invisible to current methods of direct detection.

Scientists know that something is affecting the universe, galaxies and galaxy clusters. That something is ‘dark’ or unknown to them. It was previously believed that the whole universe was composed of ‘Atoms’ and ‘Energy’ (this is called Particle Physics, but it has been largely abandoned by Physicists). It is now believed that the universe is composed of approximately; 73% Dark Energy, 23% Dark Matter, 4% Energy & Atoms = Stars and Planets (Particle Physics).

How do we relate all these things to the questions we are considering? They remind us of the limitations of human knowledge and wisdom. This means that when we put all the pieces together and try and determine the larger questions of life and of purpose we will run into limitations set by our perceptions and our environment. Science and reason are limited by our finite existence.

What is particularly relevant here is that modern science and the scientific method is affected and limited by a philosophical position or approach called ‘philosophical naturalism’ or ‘materialism’ for short. According to the scientific method, only natural processes are considered to be scientific and therefore acceptable explanations. Yet Quantum theory has shown that we know just about nothing of the universe we live in. This is a quandary to the natural philosopher, and to those who adopt the philosophical construct called ‘materialism’.

Diagram 5. -  Materialism’s Limited Perspective

Is there some greater purpose outside and beyond our limited sensory perceptions and beyond our ability to fully comprehend through the exercise of these perceptions? Is there more?

Yes, there is much more. We should not be in darkness on these matters. Absolute truth and purpose can only reside in and with the God of Truth, which is one of the titles God uses (see. Deut.32:4, Psalm.31:5, Isaiah.65:15). We are told repeatedly in the Bible that the God of Heaven, the creator of all things, has spoken and revealed both himself and his will. We are constantly told that if we seek to know His purpose and His truth, then we must go to Him and only Him to hear what he says on these matters.

Interestingly, both, Moses in the Old Testament and Paul in the New Testament, claim that this information and knowledge has always been available. You do not need to ascend to heaven to find it, or travel beyond the sea or into the deep to locate it. It is freely available to all, and it is found in the Word of God – the book we call The Bible.

Deut.30:11-14. For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it? Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it? But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.

Rom.10:8.  But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach):

This word is described in other places as the word of truth. It is also said to be from God, and that God desires the truth to be in his people. Moreover, the scriptures also tell us that ‘the truth’ is unique in the world, and only comes from one source, that is from God.

Psalm.51:6. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

John.17:17. Jesus prayed to God his Father and said of his closest apostles - Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

John.8:32-33. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

John.14:6. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”.

Rom.1:25. of certain who went astray from God, it was said of them … who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

From these words, and the many like them in the Bible, it is evident that ‘the truth’ speaks of the truth of God’s word, which contains His revealed will and purpose. That is, God’s revelation is found in the book we call the Bible. This truth was displayed or revealed in the character and life of Jesus Christ, who is called in the Bible ‘The Word Made Flesh’ (John.1:14). So much was this so, that he could say to his closest disciples the following very challenging ideas -

John.14:7.  If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.

In this place Jesus is not saying that he is God. He is rather saying that his character and life are in totality one with God’s. If a person knows Christ he would also know God. If a person could see Jesus for who he was and what he stood for, it would be as if looking upon God, for Jesus declared God.

John.1:18. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

A Different Life Focus

A Different Life Focus

This raises a very interesting and relevant question. The barrier to fully accepting Jesus’ words is the cost involved in following him and his teachings. To follow his teachings, and the teaching of the Bible at large, requires a different type of focus. That is, one not focussed upon material or present benefits, but rather upon following the truths of God no matter what the present cost, because something far greater has been purposed and promised by God.

This is the point of the words found in Luke.9:57-62.

We are very familiar with this form of rationale, as many of us will delay gratification and sacrifice present benefits to achieve some future goal. For example, you may stay at home to study so that you can pass some future exam that will provide a qualification for a future benefit, or you may work longer hours to receive some future monetary benefit for the good of the family. God requires of us the application of a similar type of reasoning and effort, with one major difference. The benefit or reward is in the future, not in this life, and the present cost may be much higher than we are comfortable with. The Bible is very clear on these issues.  

Contrary to the example of those who rejected Jesus’ teachings, those who hearken to God have their focus very clearly upon the future and not the present. The following reference indicates that this has always been so with the faithful throughout the ages.

Heb.11:13. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

The things of this present world were clearly not their primary objective or hope. They saw themselves as strangers and pilgrims in the world, not as its citizens. This causes them to interact with the world differently (1.Pet.2:11-25), after the example of Jesus Christ. For those who align themselves with God and Christ will also end up seeing things with a different type of vision, not with the eyes only but with the ‘vision’ that faith provides.-

2.Cor.4:18.  While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Heb.11:27. By faith he (Moses) forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible

Yet, for all that, God calls upon all to walk with integrity and honesty in all their dealings. To be in the world, but not of the world. This means that they don’t follow the world’s ways or standards, neither do they follow its aspirations and pursuits. Everything is different.

1.Thes.4:11-12. … that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

John.17:16. Jesus said - They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Just what are they focussing their attention on? What are the promises that have been made, the things that are eternal? The general idea, which is almost universally accepted, is of some form of spiritual existence where all the pains and challenges of life will be over and old friends re-united. Some call it heaven. In some theories, evil doers are consigned to hell for eternal torture. However, none of these ideas and concepts comes directly from the Bible. They are mostly adapted from the mythology of ancient religions and cultures, such as Egypt, Babylon, Greece and others.

The Bible quite clearly speaks of a future that involves both physical resurrection and eternal life, and an eternal inheritance upon the earth in a kingdom that is built upon the ruins of all that exists now. This is a challenging concept, as it is totally different to the commonly held belief. However, it does provide real and tangible reasons why we should understand what God has declared, and the motivation to align ourselves with God’s purpose. It also explains why those with vested interests in the present have resisted and will resist these ideas. Consider these plain words –

Matt.5:5. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (KJV)

Matt.6:10. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (KJV – The Lord’s Prayer)

Dan.2:44. And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

Dan.7:26.  Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.

Rev.5:10.  And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

Rev.20:6. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

Just how this promised future is to be realised for those who believe is the underlying theme of the whole Bible. Although the promises of a renewed earth are of themselves quite clear, there stands a barrier between what and who we are now and the realization of what has been promised in the future. That barrier is what is called in the Bible ‘the law of sin and death’, which is Bible shorthand for our sinful and mortal condition.

The Bible quite clearly says that all have sinned, and all die. Yet these promises are for an eternal inheritance. The missing element and the key that makes all the promises of God available to us is bound up in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is called, ‘the way, the truth and the life’ (Jn.14:6). He is the one provided by God, through whom God worked. If we understand and know him, and have faith in him and what God achieved in him, and align ourselves with him, then all the promises of God can be ours too. For Jesus came to ‘confirm the promises made to the father’ (Rom.15:8). The identity of Jesus is one of the great questions that need to be answered. Some say that he is God, and others say that he was just another man. Contrary to what men think, God has plainly declared who Jesus is and how he fits into God’s great scheme of things. We will look more closely at this question in chapter 5.

Jesus the Master Teacher

Jesus the Master Teacher

When Jesus spoke to his own people (the Jews) he made them feel very uncomfortable. He challenged their understanding, presumptions and prejudices. He often spoke in a way that they could not understand, or in a way that was designed to break through their prejudices. Most of his contemporaries rejected his teaching, not because he did evil or did not know or keep the Law, but because his teachings were contrary to their own conclusions. The leaders of the people, whose positions were threatened, applied pressure to conform, as we read -

John.9:22. His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.

John.12:42. Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;

Peer pressure is very challenging and few have the moral courage to resist it. The cost of truth and discipleship is often higher than those who have things to lose are prepared to pay. This is clearly evident in the parable of the sower, as recorded in Matt.13:18-23. Yet Jesus used words that challenged the beliefs of those who heard him, words that would stretch their minds and challenge their understanding. His words were simple, while at the same time challenging and difficult, and often provocative.

Matt.13:10-11. And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

John.6:60, 66. Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” … From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.

Why did they not respond to his teachings? They were clearly astonished at his teachings and by the signs and wonders he did. This is valid question, and one as applicable today as it was in the first century. We read these words –

John.1:11-12.  He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

Matt.7:28-29. And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Mark.7:32.  And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

Matt.6:21.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

This last reference sums it all up. They treasured the things they had and set their heart upon. The things of this life were of more value than the things of God. This is a common challenge, applicable for all times. The ideas  and message here is similar to what we considered in the parable of the ‘Pearl of Great Price’, and is also the same as what is found in the parable of the ‘Treasure hid in the Field’ (Matt.13:44-46). What is it that really has lasting value? Where your treasure is located is where your heart is centred, as your heart is the seat of your affection and desires.

This principle does not only apply to material things. It can apply to everything in the world, even to things that we might highly esteem. This is the basis of the enigmatic saying recorded in the following place.

Luke.14:26. If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

Jesus is here using hyperbole, a common literary technique or device of the times that expresses an exaggerated statement to emphasise the importance of the point being made. The words are not meant to be taken literally, as a comparison with Luke.10:27, Gal.5:14 and James.2:8 will show. What Jesus is saying is that discipleship, which means being a follower of him and his teachings, will mean that a person has to at times make very tough choices. Sometimes these choices may put a person at odds with those whom they are closest to. The cost of discipleship is high, although the way is easy.

But Jesus went even further than this personal challenge. He challenged those who had power and authority, and who therefore feared losing the security and benefits of their position. It was because of this challenge that his enemies conspired to have him put to death in a very public and humiliating way. This is a very common and often repeated pattern of expedience displayed by those in power, when their position is threatened. History is full of similar examples.

John.11:47-50.  Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. “If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.”

Although their rationale was that Jesus’ death was for the benefit of the whole nation, it was rather just the excuse to protect the status quo, and their own position. This was the point of the parable Jesus told in Matt.21:33-46. The leaders of the people were the actual destroyers of the nation. Their behaviour and corrupt teachings were leading people in the wrong direction. Jesus speaks very forcefully on this in some of his final words, as recorded in Matt.23.

Matt.23:13.  “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.